CHENEY PAYNE
Ready to win Cambridge back for the Lib Dems.
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It was my privilege to stand as your candidate at the last general election. Since then, we’ve made huge strides: winning three of the parliamentary seats around Cambridge, building momentum with new council wins, and cementing our place as Labour’s main challengers. The national party agrees – Cambridge is now a priority, with our selection scheduled ahead of almost all others. I’m ready to lead our team to victory.
Fix the admissions crisis
A strong and successful education system opens doorways, reduces inequality and creates opportunities for all. As a teacher with 14 years of classroom experience under my belt, serving in roles ranging from a newly qualified teacher through to an Assistant Head; building an education system that works for all and that values creativity, passion and diversity is my number one priority. Cambridge is currently suffering from an admissions crisis with the lack of school places meaning some children do not fall into the catchment area of any secondary school. The lack of school places also means that there will be a cohort of children being bussed out of the city in September. As MP, I would seek a fairer admissions criteria for Cambridge schools, call for investment in SEND funding and improvements to school buildings so our schools are palaces.
Unapologetically pro-European
I am ambitious for Cambridge to maintain its position on the world stage as a welcoming, progressive and inclusive city. Following the conflict in Syria, I led the campaign for Cambridge to offer sanctuary for refugees from all over the world. Unlike Keir Starmer's government, I am a passionate European and campaigned against Brexit since day 1. I remain committed to seeing the European Union prosper and flourish, with Britain as a future member. As MP, I will work to rebuild the vital university and research links severed by Brexit and campaign unapologetically for the closest possible relationship with Europe.
A champion for sustainability
The Labour government's eyes are currently on Cambridge as a centre for growth in the future. The MP for Cambridge needs to hold the government to account for delivering the vital infrastructure we need to support this. Water is a particular problem in Cambridge, where we are one of the driest regions of the UK and the current plans for new pipelines and the Fens reservoir will meet only the needs to current planned growth. Our transport network is already overwhelmed and needs massive investment to reduce congestion and provide world-leading public transport.
A GRASS ROOTSÂ CAMPAIGNER WHO KNOWS HOW TO WIN
I understand the grit and determination needed to win against the Labour campaign machine. I have been a leading activist in national and local campaigns, where I played a pivotal role in recruiting candidates, campaigners and volunteers. These campaigns include the Brexit Referendum, two General Elections in Cambridge and the European Parliament elections which saw 2 Lib Dem MEP's elected for the East of England. I have held my Council seat through a number of challenging City Council elections, and am determined to continue growing a strong Lib Dem presence across Cambridge.
